DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Z. Duterte clarified on Thursday night that no lockdown has been implemented here following the city government's issuance of guidelines for the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In a radio interview, Duterte said she has not ordered a lockdown but noted that Dabawenyos are prohibited from leaving the city.
The mayor said non-residents "should better be thinking about preventive measures” than pursuing trips to the city.
However, she clarified that non-residents may still travel to the city provided that the trip is "necessary."
Duterte's guideline number 8 states:
– All Davao residents are prohibited from going out of Davao City.
– All short term visitors are advised to leave Davao City immediately.
– All travelers to Davao City are requested to postpone your visit until after the State of Public Health Emergency is lifted.
Duterte said the drastic measures are meant to secure the welfare of Dabawenyos, noting that the city's limited health system cannot cater to all patients in case of a localized outbreak.
“The city has a limitation on health facilities and we cannot afford a widespread infection of Covid-19 here. Many people will die if we will not take action," she said. "To wait for one positive patient before taking action is too late for everyone."
On Thursday, the city government indefinitely suspended the operation of the Roxas Night Market as well as the parks and playgrounds.
Duterte also discouraged parishioners to attend masses and other religious gatherings.
A homework plan for City Hall employees is underway so that they could bring home their respective tasks as part of the local government's preventive measures.
In a previous directive, Duterte also canceled meetings, conventions, exhibits, conferences, parties, and all other similar social activities until after President Rodrigo Duterte's public health emergency has been lifted.
All schools from kindergarten to post-graduate studies were also ordered canceled and school officials are advised to immediately shift to online sessions and take-home assignments. All recognition and graduation ceremonies are also postponed.
Restaurants, hotels, and other events centers are also advised to postpone their schedules until the executive order issued by the President has been lifted.
City government offices will not also accept visitors at the City Hall, and clients are advised to call its trunkline (082) 241-1000 or send an e-mail to the office they needed to contact.
Submissions of documents for the city government will be at the neighboring Almendras Gym, where designated local government personnel will receive and record their transactions.
“If you are not a resident of Davao and you get the disease here, you can spread it in your hometown once you go back. It would be better if we take preventive measures,” she said.
Duterte also reiterated that the city remains free from Covid-19.
“We should not wait for one positive Covid-19 case before acting to prevent it from spreading,” she said. (PNA)
